Chandler Unified School District

Nine teachers from Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) are being celebrated as National Board Certified Teachers. Five teachers maintained their certifications, and four received their certification for the first time.

"National Board Certification sets a standard of excellence for the teaching profession, similar to how other professional careers have boards that they study for and take to show expertise. Education leaders developed this process to help elevate the profession, but it also helps teachers reach their potential by engaging them in deep reflection on their practice. But the main focus is on success for the students, and the positive impact of becoming Board Certified on the methods of teaching has been proven to improve student outcomes," Basha High School's Erica Davis, a National Board Certified English teacher, said.

During the week of January 22-26, #NBCTWeek, the nine teachers were surprised with a celebratory pennant at their respective schools. They will be honored with a ceremony in March.

Candidates take between one and three years to complete the certification process. National Board Certification is currently supported through funding and grants from Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Teachers Academy. The Arizona K12 Center is the organization that oversees this funding process and candidate support networks in Arizona.

Congratulations to the following CUSD educators!

New National Board Certified Teachers

• Ying Shao, Tarwater Elementary School
• Danica Schroeder, Santan Elementary School
• Megan Driving Hawk, Perry High School
• Michelle Luttrell, Elite Performance Academy

Re-certified National Board Certified Teachers

• Rachel Eaton, Andersen Elementary School
• Stephanie Moore, Auxier Elementary School
• Karen McBurney, Santan Elementary School
• Jackie Hernandez, Shumway Leadership Academy
• Cynthia James, Perry High School

Do you have students who are interested in coding or perhaps passionate about it? More importantly, do you have students who are unsure about their interest in coding or entering the Computer Science field? This event is an excellent opportunity for both scenarios.

Basha High School’s Computer Science program is excited to host the "Day of Code" on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm. This event aims to help students not only learn how to code but also understand the critical thinking and creativity involved in the process. Participants will have the chance to code a fun game and attend presentations on current Computer Science topics such as AI.

All middle school students (grades 6-8) are welcome to attend, regardless of their skill level. The event is hosted in room K105 at Basha High School. Join us for this fantastic opportunity to explore the world of coding!

REGISTER HERE

With CUSD-approved vendor iCode Chandler, students can learn about websites, coding, drones, and more after school! Classes start at the beginning of February, so don’t delay! Register today to learn to code at the following schools

• Andersen Jr. High School (6th-8th)
• Basha High School (6th-8th)
• CTA Independence (4th-6th)
• San Marcos Elementary School (4th-6th)
• Santan Elementary School (4th-6th)

Chandler Unified School District is proud to offer dual language immersion (DLI) programs in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. These programs of choice are currently offered at four elementary schools and two junior high schools. We implement a 50/50 research-based model in elementary schools, a 70/30 model in middle/junior high schools and a world languages continuation in high school. Students have the opportunity to start at an early age learning a new language while learning grade level content.

Wow! Have you seen the list of Early Bird prizes available through the Chandler Education Foundation Winner’s Choice Raffle Fundraiser?! If you purchase your ticket online before 9 a.m. on February 5, you could win a set of Beats wireless headphones, a Kate Spade handbag, $200 Amazon gift card, and more... Plus, you will still have a chance to win the Grand Prize - $27,000 off the MSRP of any Toyota vehicle or $20,000 cash!

But the real winners are Chandler Unified students and schools! Every ticket purchased fuels resources for our school and scholarships for talented CUSD students.

Don’t miss out – get your ticket online now. Good luck and thank you for your support!

We are ONE MONTH away from the annual Chandler Innovation Fair with the City of Chandler! Come see all the hard work our students and staff members have put into their scientific discoveries.

Downtown Chandler

February 24, 2024

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

cusd80.com/CIF

CUSD Cheer and Pom teams excelled at the AIA State Championships! Perry High School Pom claimed victory as the Small Jazz Division Champs while Chandler High School Cheer secured the 5th position in Division I All Girl Stunt. Varsity Cheer from Perry High School earned the State Runners-Up title along with a special recognition for their "Solid stunt sequence."

Arizona College Prep High School Knights Dance Team demonstrated their prowess:

• DIII Pom – Achieved 4th Place
• DIII Jazz – Secured 6th Place

The Knights Cheer team showcased their talent:

• DIII Show Cheer – Captured 5th Place
• All-Girls Stunt – Earned 2nd Place and the State Runner-Up position

Casteel High School achieved noteworthy placements:

• Pom – Achieved 3rd Place
• Varsity Cheer – Secured the 6th Place

On the inaugural participation in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Regional competition on January 19, 2024, Basha High CTE Software and App Design achieved notable success with students securing various awards. Noteworthy accomplishments include securing 2nd place in Online Testing at the regional level and an impressive 2nd place in Game Programming and Simulation. In addition to these achievements, students excelled in multiple individual categories, earning recognition and accolades.

Recently the Hamilton Theatre Company participated in Regionals and achieved an impressive total of 26 National Qualifiers! These talented students now have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the upcoming Nationals this summer. Additionally, the newly appointed Technical Theatre teacher, Kara Haselton, earned four National Qualifiers in Tech.

Congratulations to Navarrete Elementary for 20 years in our community! On Friday, January 26, students and staff members celebrated the school's history with a ceremony.

The school is hosting an open house on Thursday, April 11 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the Navarrete Nighthawks: cusd80.com/navarrete

On January 12th, Hamilton High School's We the People Team secured the 2nd position in the Annual We the People State Competition. The event witnessed participation from 10 high schools across the state, involving over 400 students. The team delivered an outstanding performance, receiving commendable feedback from judges, who included professionals such as lawyers, judges, law professors, business owners, and government officials.

This year, the Center for Civic Education presented the team with a Wild Card ticket, granting them the opportunity to compete at Nationals in Washington, D.C. from April 12th to 16th. They will proudly represent not only Hamilton High School but also the State of Arizona. Go Huskies!

Perry High School's French students have earned notable accolades at the ASU Language Fair. In this competition exclusive to Arizona schools, Honors French 3 and AP French 4 students participated with two groups per level.

In the intermediate level competition, Perry's French 3 students secured 1st and 2nd place, while in the advanced level competition, the AP French 4 students achieved an impressive 2nd and 3rd place.

This remarkable achievement is a source of great pride for the students, the French program, and Perry High School as a whole. Out of the six awards available, Perry French students claimed four, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. Every participating Perry French student earned a placement in the competition.

Amber Tyler, a fourth-grader from Knox Gifted Academy, clinched the top spot in the youth division at the City of Chandler Youth & Teen Talent Competition on Friday, January 12. She impressed the judges with her exceptional piano duet performance. In honor of her remarkable accomplishment, Amber and her piano partner have received a prize consisting of $100 in gift cards.

In the introduction to their math equations unit, sixth-grade students at Jacobson Elementary collaborate in small teams. These activities familiarize learners with variables and the concept of balancing both sides of an equation, laying the groundwork before delving into and mastering standard algorithms. This instructional approach prioritizes the development of students' conceptual understanding, emphasizing the importance of grasping ideas, reasoning, and frameworks that underlie the discipline of mathematics.

Do you want to see your school, program or students featured?

There are a TON of great things going on in our schools -- honors, awards, community service projects, special programs we offer and accomplishments. Click below to spread the word, and to see the things we're doing. Check out our BRAGS | BRAG about our schools

Did you know that Dignity Health provides complimentary immunizations for both adults and children? Weekly clinics for all ages take place at the Chandler CARE Center on Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, occasional Tuesdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, and occasional Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am.

Location: Chandler Care Center, 777 E. Galveston St., Chandler, AZ 85225

ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

To make an appointment, please visit: dignityhealth.org/chandlerimmunizations

For more information, please call

English: 480.728.2004

Español: 480.728.3777

Free immunizations are available for children aged 18 and below who have no insurance, insurance that doesn't cover vaccines, are on AHCCCS, Native American, or Alaska Native. Please bring your child's vaccination records and any school letters regarding vaccines.

Adults without insurance or coverage for vaccines can receive immunizations. Ensure availability of specific adult vaccines by calling or checking the appointment website before the clinic.

Additionally, during flu season, the flu vaccine is available free of charge for all ages, irrespective of insurance coverage, at all clinics. For more details, check the flyer in English and Spanish here.

Do you have Spring Break plans? We have all kinds of options for your students! 0-5-year-olds can join us at Lil’ Explorers Spring Break Camp to learn through play in a safe and caring environment. K-6th graders can play all day with STEAM, art, fun with food, active play, sports, games, field trips, and more with our Kids Express Spring Break Camp. Looking for enrichment options? We have those, too! View Spring Break enrichment classes and register here.

Questions? Contact the Community Education department at 480-224-3900 or communityeducation@cusd80.com.

Frye Elementary has been selected as one of just two schools in the entire valley to benefit from a Fun Run/Car Show event taking place on Saturday, February 24th. The 4.01k Fun Run & Phocus Car Show, hosted at the Phocus Office located at 7600 N 16th St. Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020, is set to run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event aims not only to provide supplies to Frye Elementary but also to fuel financial education for the next generation.

REGISTER HERE

If you enjoy running, jogging, walking, or biking and have a heart for supporting a meaningful cause, please consider taking part of this wonderful event. This year, in addition to the fun run, they are hosting a display of classic, racing, and exotic cars, open to spectators as well as anyone who wants their car to take part in the show. Join the community in inspiring Arizona students by participating in this exciting and impactful initiative! Sponsored by Junior Achievement of Arizona.

Click here to download the flyer for more information.

Participate in the Annual Seaperch Underwater Competition hosted by the I Rise Foundation this April! Explore the obstacle course and consider purchasing a Seaperch Robot by checking out the rules, obstacle course video, and Seaperch kit options on the website.

Event Details:

When: April 13, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Chandler High Aquatics, 350 N Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225

Join IRise for three free "train the trainer" seminars at the Chandler-ASU Innovation Center on February 10, 17, and March 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance is free for participants of all ages.

• To contact the Arizona Tournament Director with questions call (520) 252-9532.
• To sign up your team, visit the webpage.

The esteemed panel of judges includes United States Naval Officers. Don't miss out on this exciting underwater challenge!

Books build brains! Come join the fun with your child and learn how books develop a child’s vocabulary, social emotional skills and school readiness. Story School is a bilingual, two generation program where children and adults learn together each week through books, songs, movement and activities. The next cycle for Story School in Chandler begins in late January. Contact Shannon Hanchett for more information about enrollment via email or by phone 623-303-6718.

More information on counseling and social services events and resources can be found online here.

• January 30, 2024: Parent Workshop: Bullying, Signs Symptoms and Solutions, 6-7:30 p.m. at San Marcos Elementary
  
  
• Beginning 10/10: Tuesday Talks: A Free Parent Education Series, 6-8 p.m. Registration required.
  

We are excited to recruit community members to join Chandler Unified School District on Purposity. Purposity is one of the easiest ways to help our students and families in need.

As we continue the school year, we are working hard to ensure all of our students have the resources they need. And you can help! We have identified the most urgent student needs and uploaded them to Purposity - an app that allows our community to meet these needs with just a few clicks. Items include everything from new shoes to school supplies.

What do you need to do? Simply sign up at purposity.com/@ChandlerUnified, follow our page, and meet a need with just a few clicks today.

• November - January 30: School Open Houses. Visit the website for specific school dates and times.
  
  
• February 6: Junior High Early Release Conferences: Andersen/Bogle/Santan/Casteel 7-8. Visit the school website for specific individual school early release times.
  
  
• February 7: District Virtual Open House. Learn about the programs and schools across the district.
  
  
• February 8: Junior High Early Release Conferences: ACP-MS/Payne/Willis/Hill. Visit the school website for specific individual school early release times.
  
  

The CUSD calendar can be found on the website here.

The CUSD Governing Board meeting dates can be found on the website here.

We invite all families and the community to keep up to date about Chandler Unified by liking, following and subscribing below!

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Chandler Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The Title IX coordinators are Dr. Craig Gilbert, and Dr. Jeff Filloon, and the Section 504 coordinator is Dr. Kym Marshall. Address: 1525 W. Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85224

Email: ChandlerCommunicationOffice@cusd80.com
Website: https://www.cusd80.com/chandlerschools
Location: 1525 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-812-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/ChandlerUnified
Twitter: @ChandlerUnified